Mount Notre Dame’s award-winning dance team is preparing for the next generation with the MND Cougars Youth and the Cougars Junior High Teams! Expansion of the Cougar dance program was a primary goal of head-coach Melissa Kidd when she took over two years ago. “MND consistently places in the top ten in national competitions. By adding our youth and junior high teams, we are building a feeder program that ensures that anyone joining our program can expect to receive the highest level of dance training possible,” says Kidd.
The youth team is open to 3rd – 5th graders in the Cincinnati metro area who love to dance! The purpose of the youth team is to introduce girls to the various genres of dance, teach them proper technique and performance skills and to begin exposing them to the exciting world of competitive dance. Previous dance experience is not necessary. The junior high team is open to area dancers in 6th – 8th grades. A try-out is required to join the junior high team.
Both teams will compete at three state and regional competitions, as well as perform at high school basketball games and community events. The junior high team will also compete at the Jamfest Super Nationals. In addition to performing and competing, the MND Cougars youth and junior high teams will also participate in service activities and will make positive contributions to the community.
MND Senior Andrea Morrison, of West Chester, is co-captain of the Varsity Cougar Dance Team. She began dancing for MND when she was in 8th grade as a junior varsity member and attributes her experience on the team, as well as the culture at Mount Notre Dame with empowering her for life. “I have developed strong leadership skills, the ability to represent myself professionally and a strong work ethic. As the team expands, we can now give that same opportunity to younger girls to be a part of the MND community. MND Dance has been such an important part of my life and I look forward to supporting the two new teams during my senior year.”
Alisia Sullivan Davis ’02, of Liberty Township, is not only Mount Notre Dame’s Director of Alumnae Relations, she is also a graduate of the dance program and will be coordinating the new teams. “I am extremely excited to add these two new teams to MND’s dance program and to carry on the success of our JV and Varsity teams with a younger group of girls.”
If you would like to learn more about this program or are interested in registering your daughter for MND’s Cougar Youth Team, or in scheduling a try-out for the Junior High team, contact: Alisia Sullivan Davis ’02 at adavis@mndhs.org or 821-3044, extension 141.
Picture: MND’s Youth Dance Campers